Crime
West Wales farmer prosecuted for unlicensed dog breeding
IN a case recently heard at Swansea Crown Court, Carmarthenshire County Council successfully prosecuted Tomos Davies of Rhydygors Farm for operating an unlicensed dog breeding business. The case marks a significant enforcement of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, aiming to ensure the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies.
The investigation began in October 2022 after Carmarthenshire County Council received allegations that Mr. Davies was breeding and selling litters of puppies without the required licence. Despite contacting the Council in January 2021 to inquire about obtaining a dog breeding licence and receiving a comprehensive information pack outlining the necessary steps and legal requirements, Mr. Davies failed to submit an application.
In February 2023, a Data Protection Act request to several advertising platforms revealed evidence that Mr. Davies had been actively advertising puppies for sale. The data uncovered nine advertising accounts, including five registered in Mr. Davies’ name across platforms such as Preloved, Pets4homes, Kennel Club, Gumtree, and Freeads, and four accounts registered to a third party.
The advertising records showed that Mr. Davies had listed 11 litters of puppies for sale between April 21, 2021, and February 19, 2023. The breeds advertised included Labradoodles, French Bulldogs, Labradors, Beagles, and Dobermans. Despite being fully aware of the licensing regulations, Mr. Davies continued his breeding operations without obtaining the necessary licence, prompting legal action by the County Council.
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, commented on the case: “This successful prosecution underscores the importance of adhering to animal welfare regulations. Unlicensed breeding can lead to poor conditions for the animals involved. Carmarthenshire County Council will continue to enforce these regulations rigorously to protect the welfare of dogs and puppies.”
The Council urges all prospective dog breeders to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements and ensure they obtain the appropriate licenses before commencing breeding operations. In addition to the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021 also apply to unlicensed dog breeding depending on the circumstances. These regulations are in place to safeguard the health and safeguarding of breeding dogs and their offspring.
Crime
Arrest after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A MAN has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire, on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.
The incident happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police said the vehicle involved, a blue car with noticeable damage, was travelling northbound through the village at the time of the collision.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the vehicle believed to have been involved has now been located, and a 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision.
Specially trained officers are supporting Aaron’s family, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.”
The road remains closed while investigations continue, and residents can expect an increased police presence in the area.
Anyone with dashcam footage, doorbell camera recordings, or CCTV footage from the area is urged to check their recordings and contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
Crime
Repeat offender jailed for breaching Sexual Harm Prevention Order
A SERIAL offender who repeatedly defied a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) has been handed a three-year prison sentence following his latest breaches while living in Pembrokeshire.
Adrian John Thomas, 31, of no fixed abode, was originally made subject to a SHPO and notification requirements in 2017 after being convicted of offences involving a 14-year-old girl. Despite the restrictions imposed on him, Thomas has shown a persistent pattern of non-compliance.
The latest sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on Thursday (Dec 19) addressed four fresh breaches of the SHPO and one count of failing to meet notification requirements.
Following his release from prison in October 2023, Thomas initially registered at an approved address in Swansea. By January, he had moved to Pembrokeshire and declared himself as having no fixed address to the police.
However, it later emerged that he had moved in with his mother, who resides in sheltered housing, without notifying authorities of his change in circumstances—a direct violation of his notification requirements.
While living with his mother, Thomas took control of her iPhone, setting up a PIN and facial recognition lock without her consent. He then used the device to create multiple social media accounts, including Instagram, Gmail, and Facebook profiles, all in clear breach of his SHPO terms.
The court heard how Thomas’s actions left his mother feeling distressed and powerless in her own home.
Prosecutors revealed Thomas’s extensive criminal history, including eight previous convictions spanning 15 offences. Between February 2019 and October 2022 alone, he breached the SHPO 11 times and once failed to comply with notification requirements, resulting in multiple prison sentences.
In mitigation, the defence argued that Thomas had shown remorse and was struggling with his mental health. They claimed he had no viable housing options other than moving in with his mother or living in a tent.
Judge Paul Thomas KC delivered a stark assessment of the defendant’s repeated disregard for court orders.
“Your track record shows a persistent determination to flout the Sexual Harm Prevention Order placed on you after a serious child sexual offence conviction,” the judge said.
“You have breached this order and notification requirements time and time again. You misled the police about your living arrangements, manipulated your mother’s phone despite her pleas, and did so while on licence from a previous sentence.”
The judge concluded: “You seem entirely undeterred by the consequences of your actions.”
Thomas was sentenced to three years in prison, with a review of the SHPO’s duration scheduled for January.
Crime
Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run
A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).
The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.
The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.
“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.
“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.
“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”
The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.
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